RB31

De'Anthony Thomas

RB Oregon

Grade

4.50 SEC

8 REPS

32.0 INCH

124.0 INCH

Overview

2013: Played in 10 games with five starts. Missed Colorado, Washington and Washington State games with an ankle injury suffered on the opening kickoff against California. 2012: Honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection after playing in all 13 games and making eight starts. 2011: Pac-12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year (Marqise Lee) and first-team All-Pac-12 selection as return specialist. Appeared in all 14 games, making six starts. Only player in nation with 400 yards rushing, receiving and kick returning. Scored two touchdowns in Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin. High school: Ranked No. 1 football athlete in country by Rivals and ESPN. Helped lead Crenshaw High School to 12 consecutive wins to end the season, including the CIF Los Angeles Section state title in 2010. Also a track star, he ran the fastest 200 meters by a prep in the nation in spring of 2010, clocking 20.61 seconds. Won the 100 meters at the CIF Los Angeles Section meet with a time of 10.57 seconds. Had a personal best 50.10 seconds in the 400 meters.

Analysis

Strengths

Has legit big-time sprinter's speed with very quick turnover (and is field-fast). Cat-quick to the corner, accelerates very quickly and can easily take the perimter. Good vision and cutback ability -- is patient and follows his blocks. Can tightrope-walk the sideline. Very quick to and through the hole once he sees a crease and can stick his foot in the dirt and go. Catches in stride with ease and can make difficult one-handed snags (see Arizona). Has home-run speed in the return game, with 3 career return TDs.

Weaknesses

Very small. Does not play in a conventional-style offense and takes most carries moving laterally. Goes down too easily and looks for a soft landing spot. Lacks the size, strength and toughness to be an every-down back. Alligator-arms the ball in the middle of the field. Needs to learn to appreciate the preparation process and would benefit from working more at his craft.

Draft Projection

Rounds 2-3

Bottom Line

A deluxe, specialty back and potential slot receiver with game-breaking return ability, Thomas can be an explosive mismatch weapon in multiple facets of the game. Diminutive stature will decrease the odds he'll be able to stay healthy in the pros, and his commitment to the game will dictate his future success. Rare speed creates a higher commodity on Draft Day.
-Nolan Nawrocki